Cocoon is a Spiraling Mesh-Encased Office Nestled Into a Park in Zurich

This elliptical office building in Zurich features an open floor layout that spirals up and around a vast atrium filled with natural daylight. Nestled into a park and surrounded by old growth trees, Cocoon, which was designed by Zurich-based Camenzind Evolution, is as much a sculpture as it is an office building. The building is encased in a stainless steel mesh that provides privacy and protection from solar heat gain. Designed with sustainability in mind, the office makes use of energy-efficient heating and cooling, daylighting, a flexible layout, and durable, long lasting materials.

Cocoon is a 1,900 sqm office building for Swiss Life in Zurich designed by Camenzind Evolution. The elliptical building is located in Zurich’s Seefeld district on a hillside with views overlooking the lake and enjoys a park-like setting and old growth trees. Spiraling up from the ground, the interior enjoys a wide variety and flexibility in office spaces and can adapt and change over time as needed. The center of the building is a vast atrium lit from above by a giant skylight. Natural daylight permeates through the entire space and creates pleasant working conditions at every desk.

Oriented to the south, the office also enjoys a good solar resource, but tempers that with the stainless steel mesh facade, which acts as a rain and sun screen. Light still filters in through the mesh, but the interior does not over heat and enjoys a high level of privacy. Energy efficient heating and cooling is provided via an air-source heat pump and the stack effect and operable vents in the ceiling allow for natural ventilation. The rooftop is outfitted with a deck and a green roof to soak up rainwater and the surrounding hardscapes are permeable to account for stormwater infiltration.